Sunday, June 28, 2009

Bobby Lashley looked impressive in his fourth mixed martial arts bout in a victory over the massive Bob Sapp. Wanting to avoid any big punches while standing, Lashley immediately scored a double leg takedown and then threw punches until the bout was called. It will be interesting to see where Lashley fights next.

Gilbert Yvel looked impressive in his fight with Pedro Rizzo. Rizzo scored an early takedown and worked ground and pound before Yvel was able to push kick Rizzo off. When the action was standing, Yvel threw a head kick, following Rizzo to the ground. From there, Yvel threw punches, knocking Rizzo completely unconscious.

Sunday, June 21, 2009

The TUF 9 Finale was a sold out show at the Palms in Las Vegas. Commercials were abundant in this three hour broadcast on Spike. Despite both being seen as slight underdogs, UK's Ross Pearson and James Wilks came out TUF 9 champions.

Diego Sanchez def Clay Guida via split dec- This fight was a bloody three round war. The first round was all Sanchez as he landed big uppercuts and combinations before he nailed Guida with a perfect high kick sending him to the canvas. Guida would never stop coming throughout the fight, despite blood pouring out of his wounds.

Guida would go on to storm back in the second, getting takedowns to secure top position winning the round with his ground and pound assault. The third round was very close, with Sanchez almost getting a guillotine. Then he unleashed some serious elbows from the ground. The judges gave Sanchez a split decision victory.*Awarded Fight of the Night Bonus.

James Wilks def DaMarques Johnson via sub (rear-naked choke) R1, 4:54- James Wilks first got some strikes in before the fight went to the ground. From there, it was all Wilks as he transitioned from submission attempt to attempt. With time running down in the first, Wilks got the back of Johnson and sunk in the winning choke. *James Wilks wins the 170 pound TUF 9 Title.(James Wilks pictured)

Chris Lytle def Kevin Burns via unanimous dec- Burns looked to dominate in the first round, landing an uppercut that nearly had Lytle out. However, in the second and third, Lytle came back, overwhelming Burns. In the third, Lytle opened up a gash on Burns' head, and blood started to pour. All three judges awarded the fight to Lytle.*Awarded Fight of the Night Bonus.

Ross Pearson def Andre Winner via unanimous dec- Ross Pearson took the 155 pound title in a three round scrap against Andre Winner. While working mostly in the clinch, the fighters traded shots throughout the fight. Pearson seemed to control the fight more and was awarded the decision victory.*Pearson wins 155 pound TUF 9 Title(Ross Pearson pictured)

Joe Stevenson def Nate Diaz via unanimous dec- Nate Diaz nearly had a deep guillotine in the first round, but that was the closest he came to victory. Stevenson was the stronger fighter, landing shots and controlling the action on the ground. Stevenson credited the win to his 6 week training camp at Greg Jackson's camp in New Mexico. "It's like having Chuck Norris in your corner, it's just unfair" remarked Stevenson post fight.

Saturday, June 20, 2009

Strikeforce Contenders - Washington was an entertaining fast paced show featuring many great bouts. The card got off to a bang after a huge Luke Rockhold punch rattled Cory Devela, sending him to the canvas before Rockhold sunk in the winning rear naked choke just 30 seconds into the bout.

Army Ranger Tim Kennedy made a successful return to the cage after his recent 18 month deployment in Afganistan. The former sniper used grappling prowess to stay one move ahead of "The Goat" Nick Thompson. While Thompson looked to have a potential keylock/shoulder lock in the first, Kennedy used his strength to overwelm Thompson. In the second, Kennedy scored a nice takedown, then began to land clean ground and pound shots before causing Thompson to tap in the second round.

Jorge Gurgel and Conor Heun fought an action packed 15 minutes. The first two rounds turned into a kickboxing bout despite both holding BJJ blackbelts. Each fighter looked to land power shots throughout the fight, with Heun landing a couple uppercuts, and Gurgel landing big hooks and straight punches. The third round featured a brief glimpse of what each can do on the ground with reversals and Heun working the rubber guard. Eventually, the bout went to the judges who handed the unanimous decision to Gurgel in this close fight.

In the main event, Joey Villasenor and brawler Evangelista Cyborg brought some good kick boxing and ground work throughout the fight. Villasenor was coming back from elbow surgery and hadn't fought in a year. Smoking Joe may have eaten some leg kicks in the fight, but stayed strong and took the split decision.

Female fighters Sarah Kaufman and Shayna Bazler dueled it out for all three rounds. Kaufman was the more powerful fighter as she out-struck Bazler in lieu to a decision victory. Kaufman almost got into some trouble in the first round as Bazler had a knee and arm type choke that turned Kaufman's face red. However, the ref consistently called for action and may have altered Bazler's plans.

Overall, the refs called for action far too often in this card. Fighters would literally be on the ground for three to five seconds before action was called. This, despite the fighters actively trying for a submission or guard pass.

Lyle Beerbohm def Duane Ludwig via sub (schoolyard choke) R1, 4:27- I haven't seen this fight, but it was reported that "Fancy Pants" Lyle Beerbohm had the submission of the night with a rare schoolyard choke victory. With the win, Beerbohm is now 10-0 as a pro, after amassing a 12-0 amateur record.

Thursday, June 18, 2009

UFC 100 has been much anticipated in the martial arts world. There have been rumors swirling around potential new UFC Hall of Fame inductees Chuck Liddell and Charles "Mask" Lewis, as well as the reveal of the official TUF 10 cast. Here is a look at the fights that are scheduled for July 11, 2009 at the Mandalay Events Center. Here is the line-up:

Brock Lesnar vs. Frank Mir (HW Title)- Expect some fireworks in this dynamic heavyweight match-up. One of the strongest men in all of mixed martial arts, Brock Lesnar (3-1, 2-1 UFC) will try to avenge his lone pro loss against elite submission artist Frank Mir (12-3, 10-3 UFC). In the first match-up, Brock Lesnar dropped Mir with a solid right hand, then smothered him with ground and pound.

However, Mir recovered after an ill-advised ref stand-up and next tapped Lesnar out to a knee-bar. Lesnar is the 2000 NCAA Heavyweight wrestling champion and WWE Heavyweight champ. Lesnar smoked judoka Min Soo Kim in his first fight in K-1 Hero's. After the loss to Mir, he destroyed Heath Herring then Randy Couture for the title.(Brock Lesnar pictured)

Frank Mir was first supposed to fight Brock Lesnar at UFC 98, however Mir suffered a knee injury in training. Mir is coming off his best stand-up performance of his career against Antonio Nogueira. Mir captured the UFC HW title previously in an awesome arm breaking arm bar at UFC 48. He has other victories over Wes Sims, Pete Williams and Antoni Hardonk.(Frank Mir's winning kneebar pictured)

Georges St. Pierre vs. Thiago Alves (WW Title)- St. Pierre (18-2, 12-2 UFC) has been on a roll since the upset loss to Matt Serra at UFC 69. He turned in dominated the competition rolling off five quality wins against Josh Koscheck, Matt Hughes, Matt Serra, Jon Fitch, and most recently BJ Penn. Look for GSP to get takedowns and then work ground and pound before a submission.(Georges St. Pierre pictured)

Thiago Alves (16-3, 9-2 UFC) is a massive 170 pounder who may have a slight strength advantage against GSP. In his last fight, Alves was able to stay off the ground against Josh Koscheck, winning with his stand-up skills. Alves is a power puncher with good knees. His career victories include recent KO's with knees and punches against Karo Parisyan and Matt Hughes.(Thiago Alves pictured)

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

After the last TUF episode, the finale for TUF 9 which takes place this Saturday in Vegas has been set. Team USA's Damaques Johnson taking on UK's James Wilks, with an all-UK lightweight finale, pitting Ross Pearson against Andre Winner. TUF 9 had some great fights play out, especially in the early episodes.

The fight between James Wilks and Frank Lester played out much like the first fight. Lester was throwing bombs, with Wilks countering with his longer reach. Lester successfully defended numerous takedowns throughout the bout.

In the second round, Wilks' reach became more a factor, as he bloodied Lester's nose and started to work him over. In the third, knees to the face ended Lester's run. Lester should hold his head up, as he fought 4 times in 34 days and earned a spot on the undercard of the Finale.

The TUF 9 Finale will take place this Saturday. Here is the rumored Line-up:

Monday, June 15, 2009

Here is Jason "Mayhem" Miller v. Lodune Sincaid from WFA - King of the Streets which took place on 7/22/06. Shortly after the show, WFA was heading towards bankruptcy and purchased by the UFC. Thankfully, the move brought Rampage Jackson, Lyoto Machida and Martin Kampmann to the UFC.

Sunday, June 14, 2009

UFC 99 featured the promotions first journey into German soil. The fight card featured many decisions, much to dismay of the rowdy crowd. Overall, there were some solid fights in Ben Saunders v. Mike Swick and Franklin v. Silva.

Results:

Dan Hardy def Marcus Davis via Dec (Split)- This fight was very close as the fight could have easily been called a draw. The fight was hyped a little too much as the fireworks didn't really happen. Davis probably took the first with a trip takedown and inflicting the most damage. In the second, Hardy dropped Davis with a knee and in the third Hardy looked more fresh opening a cut on Davis' nose.

Spencer Fisher def Caol Uno via Dec (Unanimous)- This fight generated quick a few boo's from the German crowd that was probably getting a little bored with the decisions. I thought Uno and Fisher were close through two rounds, and Uno stole the third round with a takedown and ground and pound.

Mike Swick def Ben Saunders via TKO (Punches) R2, 3:47- This fight turned out to be one of the more entertaining bouts on the card. Swick and Saunders seemed evenly matched lanky fighters for 170 pounds. Swick was the quicker fighter of the night, getting takedowns and doing more damage with his strikes. Saunders got off a couple knees, but wasn't able to match Swick. In the second, Swick began to dominate, landing a flush right to the temple of Saunders. Swick followed it up with a massive flurry to win the TKO.*Swick wins KO of the Night bonus.

Mirko Filipovic def Mustapha al Turk via TKO (Punches) R1, 3:06- Mirko Cro Cop was the more precise and game fighter, damaging Al-Turk from all different angles. After defending a takedown, Cro Cop dropped Al-Turk with punches. Going in the guard, Cro Cop landed some ground and pound before allowing Al-Turk to stand. From there, it looked as if Cro Cop landed a nasty eye poke, which wasn't seen by the ref and ended in Cro Cop punishing Al-Turk for the TKO.

Cain Velasquez def Cheick Kongo via Dec (Unanimous)- Velasquez was struck twice hard by Kongo which stunned him standing. Unfortunately for Kongo, as soon as that happened, Cain took Kongo to the ground and landed numerous strikes. Cain scored about ten takedowns throughout the fight. He will likely fight Shane Carwin for a title shot.

Rich Franklin def Wanderlei Silva via Dec (Unanimous)- Franklin was the more precise fighter this night, landing strikes and getting takedowns. In the second, Franklin was able to drop Silva with a stiff jab, but took his own big punch from Silva moments later. Near the end of the second, Franklin landed a nice head kick. In the third, the match was pretty even with Franklin probably getting a takedown to seal the fight.*Franklin wins Fight of the Night bonus.

Saturday, June 13, 2009

Here is Ikuhisa "Minowaman" Minowa against Errol Zimmerman from K-1 Dynamite NYE, which took place on 12/31/08. Minowa is in the final four of Dream's Super Hulk Tournament where he next faces Hong Man Choi.

Thursday, June 11, 2009

This episode featured the two lightweight semi-final fights to make the live finale. From the start, UK's Andre Winner has been a favorite to win the entire show. Ross Pearson has been looked at as a solid brawler who favors the clinch.

In contrast, USA's Jason Dent hasn't adjusted to the house at all. He has routinely gone out of his way to make situations awkward. Cameron Dollar has been kind of crazy, getting emotional at many turns. It appears he has a rib injury before his fight that hampers his training.

Once again, USA's Jason Pierce has given the UK team secrets on how to beat Team USA's fighters. In the Dollar fight, Pierce tipped off Team UK as to Cameron's love of the uppercut and ranging hook. Sure enough, in the fight Dollar uses both those punches.

Instead of sticking to the game-plan, Dollar looks to stand and trade. By the time he tries a takedown, he is out of position and tired. It doesn't take long for Andre Winner to lock in a triangle and secure the submission victory and his place in the finals.

In the Dent v. Pearson fight, Dent tries to be exciting rather than win the fight. He goes for big looping kicks, spinning back kicks and big punches and knees. Ross prefers to brawl and look for the clinch. For three rounds the fighters battled, but in the end, it was Pearson who got a couple takedowns to seal two rounds for the decision victory.

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

This Saturday, upstart promotion Ultimate Chaos will have some big names in their debut card which will take place in Missippi. Former WWE Superstar Bobby Lashley (3-0) will face massive MMA veteran and occasional Japanese Pro Wrestler Bob Sapp (10-4). In other action, former UFC HW Champ Pedro Rizzo (16-8) takes on longtime MMA veteran Gilbert Yvel (35-13).(Bob Sapp pictured)

Former IFL superstar Chris Horodecki (12-1) will finally return to MMA action after taking a kickboxing match in the Shootbox organization. UFC veteran Din Thomas (24-8) will also have a fight on the main card. Affliction Fight CEO Tom Attencio (1-0) will fight for the second time in his career. If you aren't in Missippi, you can catch the card on ppv for $29.95.

Here is a fight from World Vale Tudo 9 between Brazilian Fabio Piamonte and Gilbert Yvel which took place on 9/27/99. Yvel recently defeated Pedro Rizzo at Ultimate Chaos and will take on Paul Buentello.

Despite the announcing crew declaring Jake Shields and Brett Rogers major underdogs who would be knocked out quite easy, the opposite proved true at Saturday's Strikeforce event.

Five fights made the broadcast, starting off with decision victories for Mike Whitehead and Joe Riggs. Riggs broke both hands in his fight with Phil Baroni. Whitehead outpointed Kevin Randleman and ate a big shot in the third, but worked through it.

Nick Diaz def Scott Smith via Sub (Rear-Naked Choke) R3, 1:41- Diaz played with Smith throughout the bout, landing strikes from all angles. In the third, Diaz was able to utilize his ground game and get the choke.

Brett Rogers def Andrei Arlovski via TKO (Punches) R1, 0:22- Brett Rogers came out to answer the step up in competition, fighting to get his family a new house. The big bruiser, pushing 262 pounds, struck Arlovski square in the face, and didn't stop, punishing Arlovski as his eyes rolled back and Big John McCarthy stepped in.

Jake Shields def Robbie Lawler via Sub (Guillotine) R1, 2:02- Jake Shields made a resounding splash at 182 pounds. He landed some kicks while taking punches from Robbie Lawler. Shields attempted a takedown, but was denied. At that point Gus Johnson and Mauro Ranallo(announcers) gave the fight to Lawler. However, as Lawler fought off another takedown with an underhook, Shields sunk in a tight guillotine choke and ended the fight.

Thursday, June 4, 2009

This episode started with TUF resident Benadict Arnold, Team USA's Jason Pierce, giving pointers to UK's David Faulkner about USA teammate Damaques Johnson. Pierce has consistently whined and complained throughout the season. Giving up training secrets to Team UK is downright dispicable.

Lightweight Richie Whitson overhears Pierce talking smack to Dave Faulkner and begins questioning his motives about not fighting. In the previous show, Pierce doesn't seem to care about fighting, and Dana White doesn't allow him in the cage. Pierce is questioned whether or not he is telling secrets by coach Dan Henderson, and Pierce denies. Liar!

Meanwhile, the match-ups for the next round are determined. The match-ups almost go Team v. Team after Cameron Dollar wants to fight Jason Dent. Dana White was intrigued but ultimately decided to keep with the UK v. USA theme.

With the fights set, it is time for DaMarques versus Nick. This fight was incredible, as both fighters showed tremendous heart throughout the fight. In the first, both threw some serious punches and kicks before Damarques landed a great throw for a takedown.

After another takedown, DaMarques lands some ground and pound, and Nick almost sinks a triangle. With thirty seconds left, Nick gets to his feet and starts landing a slew of nasty punches stunning DaMarques, who barely gets to the end of the round.

In the second, it is all DaMarques, who gets a takedown and gets some brutal ground and pound. The fight is almost called near the bell, and Nick wobbles to his corner. Nick shows serious heart and continues to fight, even though dazed and tired.

The third round has both fighters throwing jabs and overhands, with DaMarques landing more shots. Near the middle of the round, DaMarques gets a takedown and starts landing some elbow post strikes. With one minute left, Nick sweeps and gets in DaMarques' guard. Nick tries to lay everything on the line, but comes up just short. DaMarques wins via decision and is the first fighter in the finale.

Monday, June 1, 2009

The first round of the "Superhulk" tournament kicked off with Gegard Mousasi earning yet another victory, this time against super-heavyweight Mark Hunt. Ikuhisa Minowa and Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou were also able to topple their respective giants in Bob Sapp and Jan Nortje.

Jose Canseco's black pajama pants couldn't stop a Hong Man Choi beating, as Canseco crumpled to the canvas after attempting a kick and ate numerous punches before tapping. Apparenty Canseco had injured his knee before training. The final four of the Super Hulk tournament are Sokoudjou, Minowa, Mousasi and Choi.

The Dream FW tournament also wrapped, with three upsets, and a final four of Tokoro, Fernandes, Takaya and Warren. Joe Warren toppled the seemingly untouchable Kid Yamamoto for his first loss since 2002. The Mayhem Miller v. Jacare MW championship was not determined, as Miller struck Jacare in the head with a kick while Jacare was grounded. The bout was declared a no contest.

UFC 99 has a 6 fight main card, headlined by former UFC MW Champ Rich Franklin against former Pride LHW Champ Wanderlei Silva at a catch-weight of 195 pounds. Also on the card is former Pride superstar Mirko Cro Cop. Rising ASU wrestling star Cain Valasquez will take his undefeated

MAIN CARD

Rich Franklin (24-4) vs. Wanderlei Silva (32-9)- Both fighters are well versed strikers who have brawled with the best in the world. Look for this fight to be a stand-up war, as Wanderlei will look for big punches and knees in the clinch. Franklin will try to utilize his reach and counter-punch.

Wanderlei Silva is known to the MMA world as a brawler having devastating punches and knees. Wanderlei won the Pride LHW Championship over MMA legend Kazushi Sakuraba at Pride 13. He has victories over Rampage Jackson, Dan Henderson, Keith Jardine and Yuki Kondo. (Wanderlei Silva pictured)

Rich Franklin won the UFC's MW Championship with a TKO over Evan Tanner at UFC 53. He would go on to defeat Nate Quarry and David Louiseau before being crushed by Anderson Silva. Since then he picked up victories over Jason MacDonald and Yushin Okami before losing to Anderson Silva again and deciding to move to the LHW division defeating Matt Hamill and Travis Lutter.(Rich Franklin pictured)

Cheick Kongo vs. Cain Velasquez- The winner of this match will probably meet Shane Carwin for a potential title shot in the heavyweight division. Cain Valasquez (5-0, 3-0 UFC) has looked excellent in his UFC career, defeating Brad Morris, Jake O'Brien and Dennis Stojnic. Cheick Kongo has been prone to excellent wrestlers, and Cain will be looking for a takedown and ground and pound.(Cain Valasquez pictured)

Cheick Kongo (14-4, 7-2 UFC) has won three straight UFC fights since his split decision loss to Heath Herring. Kongo will look to utilize his striking and sprawl to keep the fight standing. Kongo has career wins over Cro Cop, Mustapha Al-Turk and Antoni Hardonk.(Cheik Kongo pictured)

Here is Wanderlei Silva in Meca World Vale Tudo 2 against Todd Medina which took place on 8/12/2000 in Curitiba, Brazil. Wanderlie will take on Rich Franklin at UFC 99. Todd Medina notched a victory at UFC 5 using brutal headbutts and ground and pound to beat Larry Cureton.

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